The Small Business Development Center at Widener University opened in the Fall of 2006 to help grow the economy of southeastern Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. The Widener University SBDC is one of 18 Small Business Development Centers in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers.

Widener SBDC Service Area

The Widener University SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business in Delaware County. From helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, to helping small firms expand, to providing the information every business person needs to make critical decisions, the SBDC is the resource entrepreneurs in all industry sectors can turn to for help – help that can make the difference between success and failure.

Services

Consulting

The Widener University Small Business Development Center provides no cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you need help identifying local markets for your business, are developing a business plan and want a second opinion, or have compliance issues you’d like to clarify, SBDC consultants are ready to help you grow your business.

The SBDC’s one-on-one management consulting emphasizes education and guidance in finding practical solutions to business problems. Consulting is confidential and provided at no charge by a staff of skilled professionals.

What to expect

Educational Programs

SBDC courses, seminars and conferences provide up-to-date, practical information on a wide variety of business topics and are designed to educate entrepreneurs about new and innovative management procedures. Programs teach basic business skills as well as more advanced and specific business management. These low cost workshops feature experts and leaders from industry, government, higher education, and professional associations. Visit the program calendar for a list of upcoming courses.

Information

Information resources help entrepreneurs obtain the timely, relevant, and detailed information they require to make sound business decisions.

Special programs

The SBDC also offers services to small business owners through a number of specialized programs. These programs provide assistance in areas requiring greater depth of knowledge and experience beyond standard business management expertise, including pursuit of government contracts, developing new technologies and products, environmental compliance, energy saving opportunities, and international trade.

Funding

Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; and in part through support from Widener University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling (610) 619-8490. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA.